Historic Downtown Santa Barbara Travel Guide
Santa Barbara
Visit Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Popular places to visit
Paseo Nuevo Mall
You can enjoy retail therapy at Paseo Nuevo Mall during your stay in Santa Barbara. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Arlington Theater
Enjoy a show at Arlington Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its lively festivals.
Lobero Theater
Enjoy a performance at Lobero Theater, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
You can study the exhibits at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Granada Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Granada Theatre, a popular theatre in Santa Barbara. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Santa Barbara Public Market
You can do some window-shopping at Santa Barbara Public Market during your stay in Santa Barbara. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.
Things to do
Santa Barbara: Beach and Coastline Helicopter Tour
Coastal Cruise on Yacht in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour
Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
Top hotels in Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Very well appointed hotel but had issues with the air conditioning system and could not get the room cool enough for sleeping. Kind of a bummer. It would be nice if there was a restaurant or room service. Also didn’t loce having to pay $30 a night for parking.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
The Upham Hotel
Small, personal, and wonderfully located for downtown Santa Barbara.. that’s the beauty of the Upham. 5 Stars.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Kimpton Canary Hotel by IHG
The room was excellent, the rooftop pool, coffee bar in the morning, and wine reception at night were all top-notch. The staff was very friendly, the manager shook my hand and introduced himself.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Drift Santa Barbara, a Member of Design Hotels
Great location - but very pricey for what it is. Tiny tiny rooms
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Clean, spacious room, and totally walkable area of town.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Haley Hotel
We enjoyed our stay here. The property was very centrally located and clean.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.
Lower State
While visiting Lower State, you might make a stop by sights like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Paseo Nuevo Mall.
Laguna
Laguna might not have many top sights, but Presidio Santa Barbara and Lobero Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
The Funk Zone
Travellers come to The Funk Zone for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation and Santa Barbara Art Foundry while you're in town.
West Beach
If you're spending some time in West Beach, Santa Barbara Harbor and Carriage and Western Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Oak Park
While Oak Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission Santa Barbara and Arlington Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
